MUZAFFARGARH: On December 8, 2017, the Muzaffargarh judicial magistrate, empowered under section 30 CrPC, awarded rigorous imprisonment of seven years with fine of Rs200,000 to a notorious criminal involved in unlawful tampering with PARCO’s oil pipelines and pilfering oil.
The sentence was awarded in case FIR 53/13 lodged against the accused under section 462-B PPC at Police Station Rangpur, Muzaffargarh by the security officer of Pak Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO).
Ever since the incorporation of Section 462-B in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in October 2011, nine cases have been convicted by various courts under this section. Offences under sections 462-A to 462-F PPC relate to unlawful tampering with oil and gas pipelines for any purpose, including oil theft. The offence carries a maximum punishment of 14 years and fine of Rs10 million.
PARCO’s oil pipelines are national assets transporting oil from Karachi to oil stations upcountry and are the energy lifeline of the country. PARCO’s management protects these assets in close coordination with the police and the law enforcement agencies.
The criminal mafia involved in illegal tampering with oil pipelines and oil pilferage are reported to the police, which investigates the cases and sends up the accused of trial in the court. Convictions in these cases awarded by the courts of competent jurisdiction have proved to be a positive deterrence in preventing this crime.
